Victor M Diaz Jrs Top Priorities Include Miami Beachs Image Economic Development During Oneyear Term

In December, Miami Beach commissioners tapped lawyer and activist Victor Diaz to fill a vacancy on their dais — an unexpected choice after naming former Mayor David Dermer as their candidate of choice months before.

Mr. Diaz joins the commission brimming with ideas that cover the spectrum from parking garages to open government. And he only has one year to roll them out: his commission seat, vacated when former Commissioner Richard Steinberg won a place in the Florida House, is up for election in November. To keep the playing field level, commissioners have asked Mr. Diaz to stay out of the race.

But he’s nonetheless hit the ground running with the goal of at least getting wheels turning in several key areas — smart growth, government spending and economic development, among others. "I’m only one person, but my role is to make sure the issues are put forth, the people are asked to take a position and that the city commission considers initiatives for reforms in each of those areas," he says.

As former chair of Miami-Dade’s Charter Review Task Force, Podhurst Orseck partner Mr. Diaz is no stranger to dissecting policy and pushing for change. He shared his visions for the year with Miami Today staff writer Risa Polansky. This is an excerpt from the weekly profile article published in Miami Today. To read the entire article in full, order this issue or subscribe to the print edition of Miami Today.